The first emperor of this cycle
Bharata Cakravartī
भरत चक्रवर्ती
Eldest son of Ṛṣabhanātha, first cakravartī of this half-cycle, and the man Bharat Kṣetra is named for.
He conquered all six divisions and then turned on his half-brother Bāhubali for the last city. Bāhubali won the duel, and in the moment of winning renounced everything and stood in meditation until vines grew up his legs.
Bharata's own liberation is the more domestic story. Looking at himself in a mirrored hall, he noticed a ring had slipped off one finger and that the finger looked worse without it. He took off the rest of the ornaments one by one, saw what was underneath, and attained omniscience standing there.
The old name of India — Bhāratavarṣa — is traced to him.
Measurements and counts
| Father | Ṛṣabhanātha, the first Tīrthaṅkara |
|---|---|
| Half-brother | Bāhubali |
| Capital | Ayodhyā (Vinītā) |
| Divisions conquered | 6 |
| Attained | kevala-jñāna |
| Named after him | Bhāratavarṣa |